ARRESTED: West Boca Man Intentionally Runs Over Bicyclist
Joseph Baccaro Arrested In West Boca After Allegedly Running Over 19-Year-Old Bicyclist On Purpose
BOCA RATON, FL – Boca Post (BocaPost.com) — A West Boca Raton has been charged with battery with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief after allegedly running over a 19-year-old bicyclist on purpose following a confrontation while driving in West Boca.
Joseph Baccaro, 64, of the 21180 block of Shady Vista Lane, has been arrested Monday evening by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Baccaro was driving his Mazda CX9 SUV near Tradewind Road and Judge Winikoff Road when he had seen a couple of bicyclists on the sidewalk. Baccaro allegedly yelled at the bicyclists, saying “Watch where you are riding or you’re gonna get killed. Do you want to die?”. One of the bicyclists, Austin Benefield, 19, of Boca Raton, replied with expletive insults back at Baccaro.
According to the arresting officer, “Joseph sped up and intentionally drove his car over Austin”. When PBSO deputies arrived, Banfield was covered in dirt and complaining of injuries to his right arm. Banfield admitted that he gave Baccaro the middle finger and yelled at him, calling him a “grandpa”, shortly before being run over by Baccaro.
Baccaro was transported to a local hospital before he was transported to the PBSO jail.
Baccaro is still in PBSO custody with a bond set at $5,000 while he is facing the following criminal charges:
- AGGRAV BATTERY – PERSON USES A DEADLY WEAPON
- DAMAGE PROP-CRIM MISCH – OVER 200 DOLS UNDER 1000 DOLS